Matt (Atlanta)

Chris. Chris, Chris, Chris, Chris, Chris...what day is it today?HUMPDAAAAY!!!!Who would you start in your PPR flex spot this week: Rainey, Cooper, or Baldwin?

Christopher Harris

(3:00 PM)

Hi, Matt. Anything I can do to provide more exposure for an under-seen TV commercial. Wish I could go Rainey -- I feel like he's got the safest downside b/c of the workload. But I think I'd play Cooper against the Vikes.

Patricia (Beverly, MA)

Hi Chris - How about helping out a girl out with her Flexing? TY Hilton, Andre Brown or Joique Bell? (0.5 PPR) I know Hilton's been bad lately but he seems to feast on the Texans. If you choose Bell, would you switch out for Pitta if Bush is announced as the starter? Love the columns and advice. Thanks!

Christopher Harris

(3:01 PM)

Hi, Patricia. I can't trust Hilton, period. And so I guess I have to use Brown against the Seahawks, which I don't like at all.

MAB (Stratford,NJ)

How big of a blow is losing Gronk to Brady; seems like that offense was really just starting to click...

Christopher Harris

(3:02 PM)

Hi, MAB. It stinks. It has to be considered a big step-back for Brady. I still rated him 10th among QBs this week, because frankly the position is getting to be kind of a mess. But if you wanted to tell me he should be closer to 15, how could I argue? I guess the only saving grace is the last time he was Gronk-less, he also didn't have Vereen....

Mayur (College park)

Hey Christopher! Love your work. I'm in a 2 week playoff match and down by 20 points. Should I start Torrey or woodhead. What should be my strategy going into this week.. Stick with a solid player or take a risk? Thanks!

Christopher Harris

(3:03 PM)

Hi, Mayur. Is 20 points a lot in your league? In standard ESPN leagues, it doesn't feel like that much to me, so I don't think you have to go haywire with only high-upside guys. I think if it's me, I play Torrey, though.

Dwight (Scranton)

Like many others, I'm in a tough spot without Welker this week - Deep league so I picked up Andre Holmes and Da'Rick Rogers. Which one is safer, and which one offers more upside?

Christopher Harris

(3:04 PM)

Hi, Dwight. I don't think either one qualifies as safe. They're both completely lottery tickets, and you're just hoping for either some big garbage time, or one big play. I think I'd go with Rogers, because I think he has more talent. But really, flipping a coin is also acceptable.

Brendan (NJ)

Good day sir! Would you consider playing Vereen over Marshall or Lacy? Over thinking?

Christopher Harris

(3:05 PM)

Hi, Brendan. I want to know more about Lacy's ankle. I don't think there's any way I'm benching Marshall, but if Lacy sounds shaky health-wise, I could see using Vereen over him. We'll know more Friday, probably....

Chance (Chicago)

If mccown doesn't start who should I go with, jay cutler, Alex smith or Phillip rivers?

Christopher Harris

(3:05 PM)

Hi, Chance. I think I'd pretty much slot Cutler in roughly where I have McCown in the ranks. That's one we should know about for sure on Thursday....

Matt (LA)

Tough flex spot if MJD doesn't play (or even if he does) - other options Spiller, Crabtree, Fleener, Brown...thoughts?

Christopher Harris

(3:06 PM)

Hi, Matt. Yeah, that's a tough spot. If you're talking Andre Brown, I guess I have him by a millimeter over Spiller, but would understand if you went the other way. Otherwise, I think it's Spiller....

John (Baltimore, MD)

All is known about Cowboys' not so creative offense for getting the ball to Dez Bryant for the last few weeks. Would you seat him for somebody like Keenan Allen or Shane Vereen in a PPR League?

Christopher Harris

(3:07 PM)

Hi, John. I don't have formal PPR ranks, but I can imagine he's been frustrating in that format. (Fortunately he did get you the TD Monday night...) I don't think Allen would get elevated above him. Vereen? Hmmmmm. I am very tempted. I don't think it would be a bad move.

CC (Work)

Why so low on Matt Ryan and his easy matchup? Also do you think McCown plays? Thanks!

Christopher Harris

(3:09 PM)

Hi, CC. Well, I mean, I guess Ryan has pretty much puked on his shoes all year. Seven straight games where he's been below 15 points. (15.5 is the average among all QBs.) I have to assume in at least *some* of those 7 games, we thought his matchup was pretty okay. I guess I can understand because the Redskins stink and are in disarray, but personally I'd have a hard time betting my playoff life on it....

Chad (Columbus, OH)

How do you think Cousins affects Garcon? Edelman has been playing better than him the last several weeks, but also has a tougher matchup. Which way would you go in a PPR?

Christopher Harris

(3:10 PM)

Hi, Chad. I don't think Garcon is helped, either by Cousins or by the WAS chaos. Could he surmount it? Could the team actually win a game against a mailing-it-in Falcons squad? Sure. I think especially in a PPR, I might just remove the headache and play Edelman.

Martin (New York, NY)

Why are all the rankers so down on Kaepernick? The matchup at Tampa Bay seems good and this offense has been playing better of late. Reason why I'm asking is my other QB is McCown and I don't know if I like the risk of playing Cutler after a month away.

Christopher Harris

(3:11 PM)

Hi, Martin. Well, you've obviously seen the QB ranks, and thanks for that. My justification is: Kaep has been over 252 yards passing one time since Week 1. The Niners just don't care if they run an offense that doesn't fit his skills -- it's one of the season's most surprising disappointments to me. And Tampa really *hasn't* been a good matchup...that D has played pretty well lately.

Christopher Harris

(3:13 PM)

I see loads and loads of single-position questions, kids, and the answers really are already published: http://espn.go.com/fantasy/football/story/_/page/13ranksWeek15QB/fantasy-football-week-15-quarterback-rankings

Josh (MN)

You have Pitta and Tamme ranked closely. 0.5ppr, can you provide insight into who has more upside and who has less risk. Thanks!

Christopher Harris

(3:14 PM)

Hi, Josh. Yeah, the vast TE middle class has two more members. How annoying! Especially in any PPR kind of format, I would think that Tamme has more upside, because 8 catches are never that far away if things break right with Manning. I do think he'll be in the slot a bunch. But the downside of DEN is that guys can also totally disappear, so even though he's not safe per se, I would gauge Pitta as the safer.

Chris Ogbonnaya (vs. CHI)

I'm going to have a coming out party. Agree/Disagree?

Christopher Harris

(3:16 PM)

I wish I could count on it. The Pats stink against the run, too, and Obie didn't do anything against them. But I don't hate him as a Hail Mary, especially because he's caught so many passes this year....

Ari (STL)

With Gronk out, do you think Edelman will be a consistent 7-catch, 60-80 yards, solid weekly shot at a TD type of player?

Christopher Harris

(3:16 PM)

Hi, Ari. I wish I could promise that. He's been tremendously reliable for three straight weeks. I *hope* it's the case, and I ranked him the highest by far of all NE WRs. But the Pats have a way of messing with what you expect. I can't promise anything....

Erich (Houston)

Do you and Field plan recording a pod about keepers for next year? Thanks.

Christopher Harris

(3:17 PM)

Hi, Erich. Thanks for listening to the Fantasy Underground podcast first of all. It's very much appreciated. And we've been putting some "2014" content into at least one pod per week over the past couple weeks, and tomorrow's show will continue that. Tomorrow we're going to each pick 3 players we think will be overvalued next year. We'll keep up the next-year talk from here on out for sure....

Marc (NY)

Did Granderson lose your fanship with his Mets are a real New Yorker's team? Why are you more confident on Cousins over Flynn? Both facing bad pass defenses but one has been playing and getting first team reps for the past few weeks. Thanks.

Christopher Harris

(3:19 PM)

Hi, Marc. Well, I'm a Boston fan, so I guess I'm pretty neutral on the Grandy Man. As for Cousins -- I did go back and forth with him and Flynn, and you're right, of course, at least Flynn has been *playing*. But sometimes the devil you don't know is better. Flynn just hasn't played very well. Detroit was a disaster, and he didn't do much versus Atlanta, either. But you're right, it could easily go the other way.

Adam (Rochester, NY)

Chris, White and Colston- are they ready to be trusted??

Christopher Harris

(3:20 PM)

Hi, Adam. I mean, no? The problem is: Whom do you trust? It feels easy to trust, say, the top 15 WRs. After that? Yeesh. I don't know. The good thing is that Roddy has looked awfully good on tape in b2b weeks. As for Colston? I mean, at least we know what he is. If it's a week where Brees decides he wants to work that matchup, he'll blow up. And then there are the other weeks, and yuck.

Bud (The Undeground)

What do you think the upside for Matthews is tomorrow? Worth waiting on potentially Gerhardt or Shorts in a flex?

Christopher Harris

(3:21 PM)

Hi, Bud. Yeah, I think I use Mathews. I still think he's not as good as he should be, and also an injury waiting to happen, but at least to this point, he's cut down on the fumbling, and has played more snaps than Woody. I'm using him.

Wilson (NY, NY)

Dynasty question: Lavon Brazill versus Da'Rick Rodgers!

Christopher Harris

(3:23 PM)

Hi, Wilson. Rogers is the more talented player, and it's not close. He's big, he's fast. But he's also a knucklehead (or has been one in the past), so like Josh Gordon, you can worry that one slip and he'll be gone for a long time. That said, Rogers is by far the better dynasty prospect, IMO.

Jason (Montreal)

What's your read on Kaepernick's keeper value? Many claim that defenses had the book on the read option and pistol but as you've pointed out on podcast those formations have hardly been used. Is there cause for concern about his ability to read Ds and make decisions or is this simply a case of him missing the injuted skill guys?

Christopher Harris

(3:25 PM)

Hi, Jason. I'm so disappointed with how the Niners have used him. I still wonder if we might see a philosophical change here down the stretch, or maybe even in the playoffs. But we're just not getting the guy we saw last year. As you say, they're not even running those formations. I do think he's very inexperienced as a pure pocket passer, and those limitations have been on display, but in addition, the Niners have the fewest pass attempts in the NFL. It's a conservative offense, and it's hard for a guy who's not running much to be a fantasy stud in it. I think Kaep is a "hold" right now at best.

Ari (2014 Question)

With the awful showing of 1st round RBs this year does that make it even more important to try to get 2 legit RBs early next year? Or would we be better off with a RB/WR combo to hedge our bets?

Christopher Harris

(3:28 PM)

Hi, Ari. We're going to be debating that one for months. What it might simply come down to is: If you got burned (Foster/Martin/Spiller/Rice/Richardson), you might be apt to shy away from the RB early. If you didn't (Peterson/Lynch/Charles/McCoy/Morris), you might not feel so hesitant. It was a bad ratio this year. But historically, it doesn't tend to be so bad.....

Jeff (PDX)

I have been holding onto R White and Colston all season, is it time to play one of them over Z Stacy in ppr?

Christopher Harris

(3:30 PM)

Hi, Jeff. Hoo. That's a really hard decision. I'm a major admirer of Stacy's, and don't consider this a horrendous matchup for him, but he's not going to catch a whole lot of passes. If Colston and White stay as involved next week as they were this, they're probably the right call. But will they? That's the rub. I think Roddy will. (I *think*, but don't know....) Colston? Argh. I dunno! Last week was brilliant. This week?????

Chad (Macon)

Piggy backing on the Mathews question, you don't worry about the Broncos getting up big and Rivers having to throw 50 times? Kind of limits Mathews' value playing from behind all game doesn't it?

Christopher Harris

(3:31 PM)

Hi, Chad. It could happen. But if you listen to my pod, you know that I don't believe for one moment that anyone has a truly accurate ability to predict how games "are going to go." "There's going to be a lot of garbage time" is one of the all-time crutch arguments. Remember TB at SEA, when the Bucs were 3-TD underdogs? Close game. Remember CHI/BAL, when tornados were threatening the stadium? Big delay, huge points. I think you play your guys, and don't worry how you think it'll go.....

Daniel (College Station)

Always looking for ways to improve our league. Based on your experience which format do you like better? WK 16 or WK 17 championship? AND 2 WK or 1 WK playoff matches? Thanks!

Christopher Harris

(3:32 PM)

Hi, Daniel. I know standard ESPN leagues have action that counts in Week 17, but personally I hate it. I don't like playing leagues that use Week 17 at all. So that's out. And given that that's the case, that tends to push you toward 1-week playoff games.....

Steve (NC)

My opponent has Peyton so I am thinking about starting Jacob Tamme, with the Welker news, instead of Jason Witten in a PPR league. Am I overthinking this?

Christopher Harris

(3:33 PM)

Hi, Steve. Oh, you're *definitely* overthinking it, but that doesn't mean you're wrong. In a best case, Tamme could be a PPR monster. But will that best case happen? Wish anyone outside the DEN locker room could say for sure. If it's me, I think I go Witten, but it's not a cut-and-dry decision. If your gut says Tamme, I won't hate on the decision.

George (KY)

I was surprised Montee Ball didn't end up higher in your ranks. The Broncos seem comfortable giving him 10-15 touches to spell Moreno, and he has a very decent shot at a goal-line carry. Seems to me that merits at least top 25, maybe top 20.

Christopher Harris

(3:35 PM)

Hi, George. Yeah, I mean, I struggled with where to rank him. I lost a playoff game last week in part because he did pretty well yet again. And yet the way I rank is, after all the numbers I crunch and matchup evaluations, I really do sit there and try and put myself in the situation where I have to pick between guys. And the fear that Ball *doesn't* get involved (because he's a No. 2 back) kept cropping up. That's clearly an individual risk tolerance thing. I get nervous about using a clear NFL backup who's struggled until recently in a situation where all the marbles are at stake.... But that doesn't mean I'm right.

ENJ (CA)

When should we know for sure if its AP or Gerhart playing this week? if it is Gerhart, how confident should I be starting him with his hamstring injury? I'm thinking of starting him over Andre Brown this week if he starts. THanks

Christopher Harris

(3:35 PM)

Hi, ENJ. The word from Vikes camp is that he's not even going to try and practice until Friday. That doesn't sound good to me! If he were doubt-free, I'm with you, he starts over Brown. Will he be doubt-free? Blurgh.

Steve (NJ)

You love you some big ben huh? Even against a tough Cincy D?

Christopher Harris

(3:36 PM)

Hi, Steve. Yeah, I'm a believer. I'm breaking him down in tomorrow morning's Fantasy Film Room. He's the No. 2 QB in fantasy since Week 9....

Rich (work)

Time to cut bait on Rodgers? I know as soon as I drop him, he'll come back and blow it up in our championship week. I have Luck, any waiver fodder you'd trust over him for week 16?

Christopher Harris

(3:37 PM)

Hi, Rich. Yeah, I think in a league where your fellow owners are "on the ball," I'd be too afraid to drop Rodgers. You can look at the QB ranks this week to see if anyone we rate higher than Luck is available in your league, but I'd really rather not part with A-Rod just yet.

Josh (DC)

Hi, 3 points down going into the 2nd round (basically a tie). Looking at either Harry Douglas or Bobby Rainey for my flex since I picked up Gerhart off the wire. If Gerhart plays which do I go for?

Christopher Harris

(3:39 PM)

Hi, Josh. I would probably put Douglas ahead of Rainey, because of Rainey's matchup against SF. I would probably put Gerhart above both of them if I knew he was healthy. But I don't know that right now....and we probably won't know any more than we do right now until Friday.

Tony (Philly)

Chris - I'm having trouble deciding between Shorts and Roddy. I'm wondering, based on the tape, do you think Roddy is back to being the top target in ATL week to week?

Christopher Harris

(3:40 PM)

Hi, Tony. Yeah, he is. Gonzo got a red-zone look last week, which was a little frustrating (both to Roddy owners and S-Jax owners), but White has looked like the No. 1 WR in Atlanta in each of the past two weeks. That doesn't mean he's definitely a better start than Shorts. But I did rank them that way. (By only three spots, though!)

Jake (NYC)

Is Reggie Bush a safe start this week?

Christopher Harris

(3:40 PM)

Hi, Jake. In a word: no. I mean, we'll know more about whether he's going to play sometime in the next few days, but it's a Monday night game, and there's risk. I think he'll play. But there's risk.

Joe (StL) [via mobile]

Which one sits out of Antonio Brown, A.Jeffery, S.Vereen, and K.Allen?

Christopher Harris

(3:41 PM)

Hi, Joe. Jeffery and Brown are in no matter what. If it's a standard format, I guess I go Allen over Vereen, but it's not a no-brainer!

Martin (New York, NY)

Word leaked out of GB just now that Rodgers took a few first team reps today. If he plays, where would you rank him? Would you feel comfortable using him if you didn't have a stud QB?

Christopher Harris

(3:41 PM)

Hi, Martin. I'm still pretty dubious that he'll go in Week 15, but if he goes, he's a no-questions-asked Top 5 option, regardless of the injury.

Nathan (Dallas, TX)

Do you think Rashad Jennings gets the majority of the carries now that he has been cleared for practice?

Christopher Harris

(3:42 PM)

Hi, Nathan. Yes, I ranked him assuming that his workload will stay pretty steady as the starter. Probably 25-plus touches is out of play, but it sounds like he'll at worst be 70/30 with Reece.

Mike (DC)

Chris - What if you picked up Rodgers on waivers, and own someone like Cam? How can you sit Rodgers against Dallas?

Christopher Harris

(3:44 PM)

Hi, Mike. When I initially ranked, I put Rodgers in there as though he'd be active, and I had him No. 2 behind only Peyton. (Precisely because of the matchup.) But Newton has a sweet matchup, too, and he was No. 3 with A-Rod in there. So there's no "right" answer. It would be a trust-your-gut situation.

David (Arizona)

I know the rankings have Hilton rated higher than James Jones... Is there anything that would make you play Jones over Hilton though??

Christopher Harris

(3:44 PM)

Hi, David. Rodgers playing.

Robert (TX)

Piggy backing the Bush question..if I have bell do you like whoever starts there? Or neither because of the matchup?

Christopher Harris

(3:46 PM)

Hi, Robert. I don't think the matchup is awful. The Ravens have been a neutral-to-slightly-negative matchup for opposing RBs lately, but that Detroit offense runs through the RBs catching the ball as well as running it. If Bush were ruled completely out, I wouldn't have Joique in his exact spot, but he'd be top 15 among RBs.

Lawrence (French Lick) [via mobile]

I know you rank Romo over Rivers this week, but who has the higher ceiling? Need a homerun, and feel like Thursday night could be a shooutout.

Christopher Harris

(3:47 PM)

Hi, Lawrence. I actually have Rivers one spot ahead of Romo in my personal ranks. As for who's got the higher upside? I wouldn't base that on "thinking a shootout is coming," as I mentioned earlier in this cat. Rather, I'd look at the defenses. I think the Pack is worse against the pass than the Broncos. So honestly, I think maybe the upside play is Romo, despite his mediocrity lately.

Joe (Chicago)

Chris, in a very deep league and need to stream a defense this week because I'm sick of getting killed by Patriots Defense. Any suggestions for some bad defenses with good matchups?

Christopher Harris

(3:48 PM)

Hi, Joe. Best I can do is refer you to our defensive ranks: http://espn.go.com/fantasy/football/story/_/page/13ranksWeek15DST/fantasy-football-week-15-defense-special-teams-rankings

Jared (Nort' Dakota)

Percent chance Peterson starts?

Christopher Harris

(3:48 PM)

Hi, Jared. Based on ABSOLUTELY NO insider knowledge, I'd put it at 5%. I think they'd be so, so, so, so stupid to put him in there. Nothing to gain. Everything to lose.

vic (no cal)

Not much love for Carson Palmer - but did you know that Carson Palmer has as more 400-yard passing games than John Elway, Brett Favre and Troy Aikman -- COMBINED!!!!!!!! Pretty amazing.

Christopher Harris

(3:49 PM)

Hi, Vic. He's had some big games in his day. (But realize he's playing in an era where 400-yard games are just much more common.) But he's also had *so* many poor days. That's always the worry with Carson. Will you get the good version or the bad version?

Chad (Macon)

Percent chance Lacy starts?

Christopher Harris

(3:50 PM)

Hi, Chad. Less clear, since he's not going to try and practice before Friday. But for the moment, I'm still saying like 75%. He stayed in the game after the ankle sprain last week. That feels like a good sign. But really, it's guesswork.

Chris (Chicago)

Who do you like between SJax and Cruz for a flex play? Thanks!

Christopher Harris

(3:51 PM)

Hi, Chris. Good question. I'll say Jackson. I'm just nervous about Cruz vs. SEA. He can always break a big one. But just hasn't lately, darnit!

Chris (NC)

Debating on who to start between P.Thomas, A. Brown, or Gerhart. Full point PPR. Thank you!

Christopher Harris

(3:52 PM)

Hi, Chris. Comes down to Gerhart being active. If he is, him and Frenchy.

Patrick (Los Angeles)

You seem to be the only ranker thinking MJD is not playing this week.. Just normal conservative Harris, or you think they give Jordan a shot anyway?

Christopher Harris

(3:53 PM)

Hi, Patrick. I guess normal conservative Harris. I have no sources, but neither do the other rankers...they're just choosing to believe what the player says. I think signing Delone Carter is a bad sign. But I'm willing (and hopeful!) to be proven wrong.

Jared (Nort' Dakota)

Christopher Harris

(3:54 PM)

Hi, Jared. Yeah, absolutely, it's his style. He doesn't do well with contact. He's a big-play guy who's fun to own when the big play is there, but he doesn't grind out yards, so you don't get the medium game out of him. Hence feast or famine. And from the sound of things, he could be out of TEN next year....

Paulette (Milwaukee, WI)

Thanks for a great year Chris! Happy Holidays to you and yours! In a PPR- Garrett G or Jacob T? Thoughts on Ladarius? Next year one of you guys should do PPR ranks. Just a thought.

Christopher Harris

(3:56 PM)

Hi, Paulette. I think in PPR, I'd be willing to take the chance on Tamme. He can absolutely give you nuttin', so if you're risk-averse stick with Graham. But if you want a little spice and don't mind the risk, I think the PPR reward with Tamme could be nice. As for Green -- he ran about 5 pass routes last week, which makes you believe the reason for his big day in Week 13 was Eddie Royal being out....

Evan (Denial)

How do you get over the sting of losing in the first round despite dominating all year and clearly having the best fantasy team

Christopher Harris

(3:56 PM)

Hi, Evan. It's the nature of the beast. I fully acknowledge that fantasy football is about 50% skill and 50% luck, and that makes it one brutal pastime. It's like having the best pre-flop hand. It doesn't mean you're going to win. Sorry, buddy.

Louie (Florida)

Who's safer this week? Cam or foles? Both have sweet match ups but I just don't want a stinker, I don't need a career game

Christopher Harris

(3:57 PM)

Hi, Louie. I guess I'll say I think Cam is safer at home, given his rushing ability. I think he'll give you *something*. Foles probably will, too, in just as sweet a matchup, but he's on the road, is less experienced, etc. They both should be just fine, though.

Paul (Florida)

Chris - What's the deal with Stacy? Just a string of bad matchups, or will defenses keying hard on him hurt his value?

Christopher Harris

(3:58 PM)

Hi, Paul. Honestly, he's been pretty terrific. Last week was certainly an exception, but even in that case, the workload is such that he's the one who gets the bunny TD and saves his week. Things should be at least a little easier this week against the Saints, though of course, his QB isn't good. I think he's a rock-solid RB2 every week.

Ka (Hong Kong)

Hello, Chris. Following up the Lacy question - if Lacy can't go, would you start Starks over Andre Brown? Thanks!

Christopher Harris

(4:00 PM)

Hi, Ka. Hm. I'm not sure about that. I certainly the like the matchup loads more. Yeah, now that I ponder, I probably will get Starks up above No. 18, where I currently have Brown. That SEA matchup does scare the bejeezus out of me, and I didn't *want* to have Brown that high, then I look at everyone else on the list, and I'm like, "Ew." At least with Brown, the workload should be there, and you're just hoping for a Zac-Stacy-circa-Week-14 TD to make your day.

Christopher Harris

(4:00 PM)

OK, gang, I've got to get rolling -- gotta go prep for the Fantasy Underground: Film Room session I'm going to tape tonight, about Ben Roethlisberger. Again, you can follow me @CHarrisESPN. Thanks very much for coming, and I'll chat with you again soon!